Peter Bjorn and John
Biography
Peter Bjorn and John is a Swedish indie pop/rock band that formed in Stockholm in 1999. The group's name is derived from the first names of its members: Peter Morén on vocals and guitar, Björn Yttling on bass and keyboards, and John Eriksson on drums. All three members are songwriters and contribute to the vocals.
Formation and Early Years
Morén and Yttling started playing music together in high school. After moving to Stockholm, they met Eriksson in 1999 and formed the band. Their first show was on a boat in Stockholm. The band released their self-titled debut album in 2002, followed by "Falling Out" in 2004. These early albums gained them a following within the indie scene.
Breakthrough with 'Writer's Block'
The band achieved international recognition with their third album, "Writer's Block," released in 2006. The album's lead single, "Young Folks," which features Victoria Bergsman from The Concretes, became a massive worldwide hit. The song was noted for its distinctive whistling melody and was widely used in television shows, films, and commercials. "Young Folks" reached the top 20 in the UK singles chart and was named one of the best tracks of 2006 by NME.
Subsequent Albums and Musical Style
Following the success of "Writer's Block," the band has continued to release a diverse range of albums. In 2008, they released the largely instrumental "Seaside Rock". Their 2009 album, "Living Thing," was darker and more experimental. With "Gimme Some" in 2011, they returned to a more accessible pop sound. The song "Second Chance" from this album became the theme for the TV show "2 Broke Girls". Later albums include "Breakin' Point" (2016), "Darker Days" (2018), and "Endless Dream" (2020). The band is known for drawing inspiration from '60s baroque pop, new wave, and power pop.
Solo Projects and Collaborations
All three members have been involved in various side projects. Peter Morén has released several solo albums. Björn Yttling is a noted producer who has worked with artists like Lykke Li and Chrissie Hynde. John Eriksson releases experimental electronic music under the name Hortlax Cobra. The band as a whole has collaborated with other artists, including Drake.